Sheriffs oppose assault weapons ban

SPRINGFIELD -- At their annual winter training conference, Illinois sheriffs voted unanimously to oppose a bill banning assault-style weapons in the state.
The 73-sheriffs in attendance at the Illinois Sheriffs' Association event also voted for a referendum calling on lawmakers to reform the state's mental health system, giving police access to vital records when they need to respond to 911 calls. Sheriffs say a ban on weapons would be counterproductive, because it would only take the weapons out of the hands of law-abiding citizens.